I’ve shut up shop to take on mydreamjobfightingfires
AN EX-SHOPKEEPER who swapped helping customers for fighting fires has said he made the life-changing decision after serving heroes in his Springburn shop.
Mani Dhesi, 47, left the shop counter life behind him and joined the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service after being inspired by firefighters’ accounts of protecting the public.
The-father-of-two, who has sons Arron and Zac, worked in a shop in Springburn which was near the fire station in the area.
He said: “My family used to own some stores around the Springburn area of Glasgow.
“I was working in the one directly across the road from Springburn Community Fire Station.
“I knew the guys in there well because everyday I was seeing them, hearing their stories and watching them head out on shouts.
“Slowly, and with their encouragement, I began to realise that being a firefighter was what I wanted to do. As soon as the stores were sold or rented, I signed straight up.”
He spoke about his inspiration as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service prepares to launch a recruitment campaign on November 30.
Now a watch manager in Barrhead, Mani plays a vital role in bringing the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service closer to communities and he even speaks four languages including Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu.
He said: “It was strange later on as I would see these guys after joining the service – and in some cases even be gaffer.”
The keen rugby fan, who is married to wife Asia, also revealed his pride in being a role model, working as a coach for local youth teams.
Mani, who is a practicing Sikh, said: “My family is originally from India, and my grandfather fought for the British Army.
“One of the main things I enjoy is being able to bring the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service community, and the Sikh and Indian communities together.
“When we do organise events, we are seeing more and more Sikh representation from all the emergency services and the British army as well as Scottish Fire and Rescue Service – it’s fantastic. their
“Youngsters might not have known who to speak to or contact, or may not have had the confidence to come forward and speak to us.
“But we are going to them and I am very proud to be able to do this and be a positive role model in the community, break down language barriers and promote our safety messages too.”
Now Mani has called on others to follow in his footsteps.
He said: “The best thing I could say to someone is to come and speak to us – you see people open up after a quick chat and they begin to realise that becoming a firefighter really is something that they could accomplish.”
To find out how to apply, visit www.firescotland.gov.uk/ peoplelikeyou